15686, Spring Church, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 15686, Spring Church, Pennsylvania is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.12 percent of the residents in 15686 has some form of health insurance. 45.31 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 85.74 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase. Military veterans should know that percent of the residents in the ZIP Code of 15686 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 237 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15686. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 327 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,539 health care providers accessible to residents in 15686, Spring Church, Pennsylvania.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Spring Church, PA (ZIP Code 15686)

The health landscape of Spring Church, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15686), a small community nestled within Armstrong County, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities when considering breast cancer care. This analysis aims to provide a "Breast Cancer Score," though it is a qualitative assessment given the limitations of readily available, granular data. The score will consider factors like physician availability, primary care access, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, all crucial components of a comprehensive breast cancer care ecosystem. The goal is to paint a picture of the current state and identify potential areas for improvement.

The foundation of effective breast cancer care rests on strong primary care. Primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the first point of contact, responsible for screening, early detection, and referrals. Assessing primary care availability in Spring Church is paramount. While a precise physician-to-patient ratio is difficult to ascertain without proprietary data, the rural nature of the area suggests potential limitations. Residents may face longer travel times to reach a PCP, impacting timely access to care. This geographical constraint necessitates a focus on proactive outreach and community-based initiatives to ensure early detection.

Standout practices, if any, would be those demonstrating a commitment to proactive breast cancer screening. This includes consistent mammogram recommendations, patient education on self-exams, and a streamlined referral process to specialists. Identifying these practices requires a deeper dive into local healthcare provider profiles, reviewing their patient demographics, and understanding their screening protocols. Practices actively participating in community health fairs or offering educational workshops would score higher. The absence of readily available information on such practices suggests a potential area for improvement in community outreach and public awareness.

Telemedicine offers a promising avenue to bridge geographical barriers and enhance access to specialized care. Its adoption rate among local healthcare providers is critical. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations with oncologists, radiologists, and other specialists, reducing the need for lengthy travel. Furthermore, it allows for remote monitoring of patients undergoing treatment, offering a crucial layer of support. Assessing the extent of telemedicine integration involves researching the technological infrastructure of local practices, examining their telehealth platforms, and gauging patient and provider acceptance of this technology. Limited adoption would negatively impact the Breast Cancer Score.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are vital in the context of breast cancer. The diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer can trigger significant emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and fear. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, is a crucial factor. This includes assessing the presence of mental health providers within the community, their capacity to handle a surge in patients, and their expertise in oncology-related mental health issues. The integration of mental health services within the primary care setting is a significant advantage, streamlining access to these vital resources.

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Spring Church, PA, is therefore likely to be moderate. The rural setting presents inherent challenges in terms of physician-to-patient ratios and access to specialized care. While the presence of primary care providers is assumed, the extent of their proactive screening efforts and integration of telemedicine remains unclear. The availability of mental health resources, a critical component of comprehensive care, also needs further investigation. The score could be improved by fostering community partnerships, expanding telemedicine capabilities, and increasing awareness of breast cancer screening guidelines.

The limitations of this analysis must be acknowledged. A comprehensive Breast Cancer Score requires access to detailed data on physician practices, patient demographics, screening rates, and resource utilization. This analysis relies on publicly available information and general knowledge of rural healthcare dynamics.

Further investigation is needed to fully understand the local healthcare landscape. This includes a detailed survey of local practices, an analysis of patient outcomes, and a comprehensive assessment of available resources.

To gain a more visual and interactive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Spring Church, PA, and surrounding areas, explore the power of spatial data visualization. CartoChrome maps can provide a dynamic and insightful view of physician locations, hospital proximity, and other relevant data points. These maps can help identify areas with limited access to care and highlight opportunities for improvement.